Formula One curtain call set to be an epic finale to a sensational season

The 20th and final round of Formula One’s longest ever season is upon us and it’s going down to the wire.

Sebastian Vettel goes into Sunday’s final race with a 13 point lead over title rival Fernando Alonso (Picture: AFP)

Thirteen points separate Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, with both drivers on the verge of a third world title.Their seasons have been contrasting. Alonso has been unbelievably consistent with 12 podium finishes, taking wins at the start of the year in a car that was nowhere near the best.However, since the championship left Europe he’s been overtaken by Vettel with an improved RB8 taking four wins, a second and a third in the last six races. Alonso, on the other hand, hasn’t won since July.If Vettel wins the title, it will be his third in a row. Only two other drivers have managed this feat: Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher.Schumacher will drive his last grand prix on Sunday, which will be a more permanent marker than Brazil 2006, the last time he drove into retirement.He says he’s relaxed about the weekend. Perhaps stepping out of an uncompetitive Mercedes car will help him hold back the tears when he looks back on a career that’s featured seven world titles.‘I tried to end successfully. It didn’t work out but I’m happy to go for a different life,’ said the 43-year-old.

‘He was my childhood hero,’ said Vettel. ‘We share a very special relationship and he will always be an inspiration.’Red Bull Racing has won the last three Brazilian races, and return as favourites, having lifted the constructors’ crown last week.‘I think [Interlagos] seemed to suit our car in previous years,’ confirmed Vettel. ‘We are in a great position.’

Team-mate Mark Webber’s race ended prematurely last week in Austin after the Renault engine’s alternator failed again.It had already robbed Vettel of victory in Valencia, and more points in Monza. So there is concern reliability might curse Vettel on Sunday.

Should the car hold together the title is likely to be his but you never know in Brazil – drama is never far away.